By Paul Giorgio

Green Bamboo closes. The Green Bamboo, a Vietnamese restaurant located at 112 Green Street in Worcester, closed down the last week in June. In its place will be the Banner Bar & Grille, which is hoping to open at the end of this month. According to owners Sean McInerny (who worked at the old Stoney O’Brien’s for almost 14 years) and Jim Morris, the Banner will be a sports bar and feature a pub menu.

Cactus Pete’s finally closes. As reported here months ago, Cactus Pete’s on Park Ave in Worcester has finally closed to make way for a CVS. No word on whether the popular restaurant will reopen someplace else.

Southbridge goes Irish. The Dark Horse Tavern recently opened its doors on Crane Street in Southbridge. 508-764-1100.

Seoul Lecci owners find a new home. Sapporo Korean Barbecue & Sushi, 50 E. Main St., in Westboro, is the newest restaurant in town. The Korean BBQ eatery is partially owned by Jin Chung who for 7 years owned the Seoul Lecci on Main Street in Worcester before selling it to what is now The Gym Sportsbar. Sapporo does not have a liquor license, so it’s BYOB. Call (508) 898-1882.

Allora is the name of the new Italian restaurant that opened the first week of July on Route 20 in Marlboro. It occupies the space that for a long time was home to Marlboro institution The Oxford.

Union Station the Restaurant to close.  The restaurant at Union Station will close its doors the first week of August.  Owner Joe Petrou assures all those who have functions booked that his catering company will still handle  their events.
 
Also closed is Bin 479 Wine Bar and Restaurant in Sturbridge.  This wonderful little eatery had been open for 2 years.

Blackstone Valley Bar & Grille changes hands. The Blackstone Valley Bar & Grille in Douglas was recently sold. The new owners are the Falzone and Dedecko families. The restaurant, located at 306 Main St., is now called Falzone’s Italian Restaurant and has a new menu. Our spies tell us it is a must try.

TiNoVo News. We hear that there may be two competing offers for the space that housed TiNoVo’s Restaurant on Pearl Street in Worcester. Both of the interested developers would convert the building into a mixed use space with offices, a restaurant (they have been talking to local restaurant owners about the first floor space), and possibly a residential portion.

KJ Barons relocates. KJ Baron’s, owned by Katie Krock, will relocate from 340 Main Street to Washington Square in Worcester. The store, which has a full liquor license, is slated to open in the middle of the month and will feature fine wines. In addition, it will also offer a selection of cheeses and specialty food items.